In conflict situations and humanitarian crises, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has reached epidemic proportions. In light of this, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals are routinely missing in data used to address to the needs of affected populations. In response, The Global Challenges Research Fund of the United Kingdom’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has funded a strategic network to focus on the missed needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans* and Intersex (LGBTI) people in the Great Lakes Region (GLR) of Africa. Specifically, this project confronted and responded to the incidence of sex and gender-based violence used against (LGBTI) individuals and communities in crisis situations across the GLR, while examining HIV infections, as well as access to health and social services.
The project initiated a global strategic research network to a) lay solid foundations for future research that will benefit LGBTI individuals and communities in the GLR; b) builds capacity by gathering researchers, policy makers, NGOs and research users to exchange knowledge on crucial thematic issues.
Its overall aim was to cultivate an enduring network of researchers and research users who work on issues related to violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). On 1 November 2017, the Gender Centre organised a seminar for a strategic network meeting called "Leaving no one behind: Inclusive development, health and human rights". During the seminar participants explored what the 2030 and 2063 agendas for sustainable development really meant for people marginalized on the basis of SOGIESC in the GLR. The subsequent SNM was held in Durban, South Africa 19 February 2018. Building on the momentum from 1 November, participants investigated strategies for conducting HIV/AIDS research in challenging environments.
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